What Is Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine today, is the most abused drug in America. It is the drug most commonly involved in emergency medical treatment cases. There is nothing new about this drug – it has been around for centuries and was once used as a form of medication. However, it has today become the “champagne” of drugs and one of the most serious forms of drug abuse.

A common misconception that many people have is that cocaine is not addictive since it does not cause the same kind of physical or chemical changes in the body that alcohol and other drugs do. But, cocaine creates a very powerful psychological dependence and addiction that is just as dangerous.

When cocaine (or “coke” as it is also referred to) enters the body, it has an immediate effect on the brain. It creates an immediate feeling of intense pleasure and a feeling of euphoria. It also provides a false feeling of energy and power. Once the effects of the drug begin to wear off, the user will experience a sense of depression and lassitude. This leads to an overpowering desire for another “hit” or dose of the drug. This mental dependence on the drug is far stronger that the physical cravings that some other drugs cause. It is also one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat. With other drugs there will be symptoms of weight loss, trembling of the hands and other observable signs. In the case of cocaine, most of the symptoms are internal and neurological and an addict is often able to disguise the addiction for a long time.

However, because of the high levels of dependency the use of the drug causes in the addict, they are willing to go to extreme lengths to obtain the drug. This includes neglecting their jobs, families and friends in the pursuit of another “hit.” And if they have financial or other problems in obtaining the drug, they are forced, by their addiction to resort to all kinds of crime to either steal the money for the drug or the drug itself. This problem is accentuated by the fact that as time passes addicts need continually stronger does of cocaine to be able to achieve the desired “high.”

An addict who tries to give up the habit will have intense and uncontrollable cravings for the drug. This will be accompanied by depression and lethargy. These three reactions get stronger as time passes and feed off each other to make the cravings for the drug even stronger. As the addict goes through the withdrawal, there is always the thought in the mind that just one “hit” will make him feel on top of the world again

Although cocaine addiction is more mental than physical, there are many symptoms that can be used to diagnose cocaine addiction – rapid mood changes, loss of appetite, depression, changes in sleep patterns, ignoring family and friends and spending time with new people, loss of interest in the job or drop in school grades and a continually running nose.

If you have an addiction problem or know of anyone who does, it is essential to get professional help immediately.

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